Since 1989 the Technology Assessment Division of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has periodically conducted a survey of Louisiana crude oil refineries. The results of the survey are compiled into a report focusing on developments that have occurred since the previous survey. These include an overview of the general direction of the industry and updated information on the current status of refinery ownership, mailing addresses, operating status and key personnel. Tabulated statistical data, charts, and graphs relating to oil production, refinery crude oil sources, refinery margins, capacities, operating rates, and product slate are also presented. Information on both operating and non-operating refineries that are still intact is included. The previous survey was published in October 1996.

The information contained in this annual Technology Assessment Division report is designed to complement the information presented in the refinery section of the Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration (DOE/EIA) Petroleum Supply Annual, now published biennially for the previous two calendar years. Generally, the period covered by DNR is the twelve months ending June 30, so this report is ordinarily about six months out of cycle with DOE/EIA data. This edition is about six months late due to personnel turnover within DNR.

The operating refining capacities, operating rates, and product slate statistics presented in this report are prepared from data supplied by survey respondents. The information on the non-operating refineries is obtained from their owners, trustees, or management personnel and is current within a few weeks of publication. The data used to construct the charts and graphs on oil production, refinery margins, and crude oil sources is obtained from DNR's database.

The principal terms and phrases used in this report are the same as used in DOE/EIA publications. It is important to note the slight difference in meaning between operable versus operating when used to specify capacity or utilization rate. Definitions of principal terms are located in the last section of this report.

The Department of Natural Resources uses the information in this report to enhance the economic development efforts of the State by developing information on State and Federal energy policies that affect the oil and gas production and refining industries located in the State, helping crude suppliers locate refining sources and refined petroleum product buyers locate sources of supply, assisting new industries desiring to site facilities near refineries, and providing information to parties evaluating refineries for possible purchase.

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